What does the term describe?
Complete removal of pulp from the crown and root canal system.
← All explanationsPulpectomy
What is removed during a pulpectomy?
Pulpectomy means removing all pulp tissue from inside the crown and root canals. The tooth itself stays in the mouth. The term describes a treatment step and is not the same as a completed root canal treatment.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Understanding the pulp
Pulp is the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels inside a tooth. Treatment depends on its condition and on whether and how the tooth can be retained.
Complete or partial removal?
Pulpectomy removes pulp from the crown and canals. Pulpotomy removes only part of it to preserve remaining vital tissue when the circumstances are suitable.
Further care is required
Cleaning, an appropriate seal and restoration of the tooth form part of the subsequent treatment plan. Primary and permanent teeth require different assessment.
At a glance
Who determines the approach?
The treating dentist after diagnosis and discussion.
What follows?
Further cleaning, an appropriate seal and restoration according to the individual tooth.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Understanding the pulp
Pulp is the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels inside a tooth. Treatment depends on its condition and on whether and how the tooth can be retained.
Complete or partial removal?
Pulpectomy removes pulp from the crown and canals. Pulpotomy removes only part of it to preserve remaining vital tissue when the circumstances are suitable.
Further care is required
Cleaning, an appropriate seal and restoration of the tooth form part of the subsequent treatment plan. Primary and permanent teeth require different assessment.
Often confused
Pulpectomy or pulpotomy?
Pulpectomy removes all pulp tissue; pulpotomy removes only part. These terms alone say nothing about individual suitability or treatment success.
Quick answers
Does toothache always mean all the pulp must be removed?
No. Pain alone does not determine the procedure. Diagnosis, the condition of the tooth and root development help determine whether pulp-preserving treatment may be appropriate.
Is pulpectomy the same as extraction?
No. Extraction removes the tooth. Pulpectomy concerns tissue inside it.
Does it complete root canal treatment?
Not automatically. Removal alone replaces neither further cleaning nor an appropriate seal and a sound restoration of the tooth.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
What does examination show about the pulp, and which tooth-preserving approach follows from that finding?
Persistent dental discomfort needs examination before individual treatment steps are decided.
Have dental symptoms examinedAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Coronal pulp
- Pulp tissue inside the crown.
- Radicular pulp
- Pulp tissue in the root canal region.
- Vital pulp preservation
- The treatment aim of retaining living pulp tissue under suitable conditions.
Make the distinction
Pulpectomy removes all pulp tissue; pulpotomy removes only part. These terms alone say nothing about individual suitability or treatment success.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.